The Remind App
Photo by Staff Reporter, Jensica Isiminger
Tired of confusion regarding guidance office deadlines and announcements? Missed News Link during advisory? Forgot the date of the PSAT? Look no further — the guidance office is here to help.
As guidance counselors seek to better inform the York Suburban Community of important dates and events, they have utilized a texting app on the iPhone known as Remind (formally called Remind101).
Much like its name, the app’s purpose is to connect teachers with students and parents to spread awareness of events, dates, and deadlines outside the classroom. Users receive updates concerning testing reminders, scholarship availabilities, and college announcements.
Tina Howe, chairperson of the guidance department, states that the guidance office is working to get information out to students in the best way possible. She lists the many sites that include guidance office information such as Naviance, Twitter, and students’ Google Docs email.
Howe notes that there is so much information in so many different places that it can be confusing. She believes sending a text is the easiest and perhaps most effective way to spread information, and that the app will most benefit seniors dealing with college decisions.
To receive text updates, download the Remind app. Create an account and enter @6031 to join a class. Then, text @6031 to 412-368-5709. Once these steps are completed, students or parents will receive texts from the guidance office as they become available.
The Guidance Office is not the first to use the Remind app. Science teacher Steve Whiteley uses the app to remind students to study for tests, list project deadlines, and tell his astronomy class to view planets and constellations at night. Student Council has also found the app very beneficial for meeting date reminders. Senior Student Council member Macy Jordan reflects on the usefulness of the app. “It makes communication a lot easier because then it gets sent out to everyone so then you don’t have to go out of your way to see someone.”
In an attempt to streamline data, guidance information will still be available through other sites, including social media. Guidance counselors encourage students to follow them on Twitter @YSHSGuidance.
Students and parents cannot text questions to the number and cannot contact a guidance counselor one-on-one through the number.
The app is ready to go, so give it a try!